Macworld/iWorld called off for 2015


"We are announcing today that Macworld/iWorld is going on hiatus, and will not be taking place as planned in 2015. Our MacIT event, the world's premiere event for deploying Apple in the enterprise, will continue next year with details to be announced in the coming weeks.

The decline of that show I think predated Apple pulling out, but certainly that was a big blow. Apple's keynote was a huge tentpole for the conference and expo, drawing a lot of attendees and media who wanted to see Apple's announcement. As Apple grew, however, it didn't need a third-party show to gather a own crowd, plus Apple could schedule events to meet its own timetables, such as this week's special event.

The other big blow to Macworld was the massive Apple-related presence at CES through the iLounge sections. Within the first year or two, the iLounge zone was bigger than Macworld Expo itself.

This is being called a hiatus, so it may return in some form. I wouldn't be surprised if someone else picks up the torch and does smaller, more affordable, and perhaps more frequent event in hotel ballrooms.